Most people would agree that the world is a much more enlightened place than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Same-sex marriage is now legal and those who embrace a transgender life are largely free to do so without hiding. Unfortunately, the world has not yet reached a place where workplace discrimination and sexual harassment no longer exist.
One Michigan woman knows all too well the pain, suffering and humiliation that sometimes accompany a transgender life. She was employed at a McDonald’s franchise in Redford from April to August in 2015. During her employment, she was allegedly subjected to a variety of workplace discrimination and harassment behaviors. Some of these behaviors include:
— Referring to the employee in a derogatory manner
— Groping of the genital area
— Forcing the woman to use a previously unused bathroom that served as a storage closet
— Cutting the victimized worker’s duty schedule
— Firing the woman after she complained about her treatment
The transgender woman is fighting back with a discrimination and harassment lawsuit. She is seeking damages for lost wages, loss of self-esteem and emotional suffering. Perhaps more importantly, a news report indicates that the woman is pursuing legal action to show that transgender lives do matter.
One day the world may be free of workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, but until that day comes, victims can rely on the legal system. Taking a stand against wrongful and illegal actions in the workplace shows other victims across the state of Michigan that they do have options for finding a satisfactory legal remedy.
Source: Huff Post, Queer Voices, “Trans Employee Sues McDonald’s For ‘Extreme Sexual Harassment,’ Discrimination,” Curtis M. Wong, June 17, 2017